Con musts for movie lovers

Science fiction takes over Hall H as Hollywood studios show off their upcoming films

From left, actors Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Sam Claflin pose for photographers during a photo call for the film The Hunger Game: Catching Fire at the 66th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 18, 2013. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
— Invision

From left, actors Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Sam Claflin pose for photographers during a photo call for the film The Hunger Game: Catching Fire at the 66th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 18, 2013. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
/ Invision

You can argue that Comic-Con’s Hall H is where blockbusters are born. Movie studios show early film footage of a big-budget movie, like “The Avengers.” Then, eager and excited fans in the convention’s largest room generate buzz months — sometimes even a year — ahead of the film’s release date.

This year, Comic-Con’s movie offerings continue to be heavy on science-fiction and superheroes. Here are some of the highlights from Hall H:

“Gravity”: If there’s going to be a big-name, surprise celebrity showing up at Comic-Con, it will be at this panel. The movie about an astronaut and medical engineer stranded in space stars George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Whether or not they show up, there will still be a panel featuring Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón. Part of the Warner Bros. preview, which begins at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

“Europa Report”: Though it’s not star-studded, this brainy sci-fi movie by Ecuadorean director Sebastian Cordero may have one of the more fascinating panels. The film about a privately funded mission to Mars will feature a panel filled with not only moviemakers and actors, but NASA scientists and an astronomer, too. 1:10 p.m. Thursday.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”: Will this be the convention’s new “Twilight”? The post-apocalyptic drama makes its first appearance, along with an A-list cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Expect long lines and many screaming teens for this panel and Q&A. Part of the Lionsgate preview, which begins at 1:35 p.m. Saturday.

“Ender’s Game”: The beloved sci-fi novel about young fleet commanders is finally becoming a movie. The panel will feature exclusive footage as will as a Q&A with Con hero Harrison Ford (you know, because he played Han Solo). Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin are also appearing. 3:50 p.m. Thursday.

“Godzilla”: The world’s most famous lizard gets a shiny makeover starring Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Last year, a short clip was shown in Hall H to thunderous applause and whooping. This time around, there will be more to see and discuss. Part of the Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures preview, which begins at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

The Visionaries: This panel is a must-see for film buffs. It features three acclaimed directors: Marc Webb of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” and “500 Days of Summer”; Alfonso Cuarón of “Y Tu Mamá También” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”; and Edgar Wright of “Shaun of the Dead.” They’ll discuss everything from filmmaking to the future of cinema at this candid event. 2:30 p.m. Thursday.